District Announces Stuff the Bus Campaign

Stuffing a bus with kids is a safety hazard. But stuffing a bus with school supplies? That’s one way to make sure children and teachers have the tools they need for a successful school year.

Berkeley County School District’s Stuff the Bus Berkeley campaign will be collecting donations from Aug. 8-13. Right now, it is collecting drop-off centers and volunteers. For more information email sizemorek@berkeley.k12.sc.us or kovacha@berkeley.k12.sc.us.

The program will provide school supplies for needed students and help restock supply closets at local schools. Superintendent Rodney Thompson said the district has lost $20 million in funding in the past three years.

“In order to maintain top priorities like safety, class size and quality teachers, we’ve had to slash our supply budgets and stretch our existing supplies as far as possible,” Thompson said in a release. “We’re at the point where there is nothing left.”

The student wish list includes things like pencils, notebooks, crayons, glue sticks, hand sanitizer, tissues and book bags. Requested teacher supplies include copy paper, three-ring binders, manila folders, construction paper, highlighters, and batteries (see complete lists in the gallery at right).

The program is in coordination with Walmart, Trident United Way, the Education Foundation and the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce.

“We encourage citizens and businesses to get involved with this project to help our students,” said chamber President Bill McCall. “Any and every donation helps."

Finale events will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Goose Creek and Moncks Corner Walmarts.